day 3 morning - financing the business charbonneau colford
TRANSCRIPT
Lead to Win
Lead to Win
Financing the BusinessJuly 30, 2009 Morning
Chuck Colford, CEO – Congruance IT, Inc. Ken Charbonneau, CA, CPA - KPMG
Lead to WinSlide 2
Module Objectives
You will know about:• Types of instruments for financing• Sources of money• Money raising process• Pitching to investors• Deal parameters• Bootstrapping• Key Financing Principles
You will be able to:• Plan to finance your business• Understand dilution of ownership and control• Anticipate and appeal to investor needs• Know key benefits and pitfalls of various approaches• Better understand and manage your downside risks• Improve your prospects for closing good financing deals
What
Where
Who
How
When
Lead to WinSlide 3
Agenda
• Financing sources• Instruments for financing• Equity financing process• Your first equity transaction
– Exercise
• External Investors• Bootstrapping• Wrap Up
Lead to WinSlide 4
Financing Sources
• Founders, Family, Friends• Angel or Private Investors• Commercial Banks• Investment Banks & Boutiques• Governments• Venture Capital Firms (US, CDN, Intl)• Public Markets• Customers
Lead to WinSlide 5
Financing “Surrogates” – The Usual Suspects
• Factoring Boutiques– Payday advance for businesses– Cash now in exchange for discounted receivables
• Agents, Underwriters– Facilitators who will “help” you raise money – in
exchange for…
• Influence peddlers– Look like agents, but may just waste your time– Some may damage your credibility and impair you
• Criminals– Looking for creative ways to launder money– May destroy your credibility and reputation
Be careful – Not everyone is what they appear to be
Lead to WinSlide 6
Financing – Core Principle
ALL money comes with strings attached – Know what they are!
• Know who they obligate you to
• Know your downside (protect if possible)
• Understand what you are getting into
Lead to WinSlide 7
Source: Founders, Family, Friends
Core group
Value of commitment often greater than money
Instruments: Equity or Loans
For better or worse… Chose wisely
Pitfalls• Cash may be limited• There is a difference
between losing your shirt vs. all your shirts plus the closet they hang in.
• Consider impact if… (divorce of a spouse, founder fails to pull weight, or leaves…)
• Easy to protect downside (Shareholders agreement)
Benefits:• Already known (usually)• Aligned interests• Skin in the game• Significant support given• Relatively simple terms• Easy closing
Don’t forget - Spouses have skin in the game too
Lead to WinSlide 8
Source: Founders, Family, Friends
Easiest to find
Instruments: Equity or Loans
May not be the easiest to live with
Pitfalls• Funds may be limited,
but possibly sufficient• Consider their exit –
when will they need their money back
• Hard to protect downside– Possible severe long
term consequences– If the company fails or
you lose control – they may be hard to face
– May cost you family & friends
Benefits:• Already known – no hunt• Relationship to leverage• Aligns with your interests
– Not cross purpose
• Simple deal terms• Easy closing
Consider impact of subsequent financings on them
Lead to WinSlide 9
Source: Angel or Private Investors
Hard to find
Instruments: Equity or Loans
Angels deserve their name – If you go this route protect them downstream
Pitfalls• Finite cash - may be
insufficient• If you need many –
harder to herd eagles• Activist investors – some
may not be compatible• Endangered species –
many ravaged by VCs• Likely will NOT
participate in deals with downstream VC plans
• Lookout for surrogates (big talkers)
Benefits:• Opportunistic – may be
just the right sized deal• Can help with heavy
lifting – in the business and further financing
• Similar backgrounds – usually they are successful entrepreneurs
• Sources of support and counsel – not just money
Their experience & insight can be BIG help
Lead to WinSlide 10
Example – Why protection is needed
A common challenge “Concentration of Debt and Share Ownership:
The majority of the Company’s long term debt as well as the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company are held, owned or controlled by funds, subsidiaries or parties associated with Vengrowth Asset Management Inc. and Wellington Financial LP. As a result of this significant position of influence over most elements of the Company’s overall capital structure, these parties have the ability to elect all of the Company’s directors and to determine the outcome of most corporate actions requiring lender and shareholder approval irrespective of how other shareholders of the Company may vote.”
- Source: Google (Management’s Discussion & Analysis, Nexient Learning Inc., 2008)
Lead to WinSlide 11
Source: Commercial Banks
“A banker is someone who will loan you money – when you no longer need it” – Anon
Instruments: Debt
Pitfalls• Hard to get• Risk averse - Need
collateral to offset their risk– Receivables
– Assets purchased
• Loans can be called in
Benefits:• Easy to find• Lots of cash• Simple terms on deals• Good lines of credit as
your business ramps– Your business builds
credibility
– Money gets easier
A good banker can provide valuable referrals
Lead to WinSlide 12
Source: Financial Companies, Boutiques
Instruments: Debt, Equity or hybrids
Factoring
Preferential Debt (e.g. bridge loans)
Pitfalls• As specialists, they may
be running the table– terms may heavily
favour their side
• May have high costs– relative to the risk they
assume
– Can prey on desperation
Benefits:• Specialize in specific
types of transactions– well suited in certain
circumstances
• Often complex Terms and Conditions
Consider each on its own merit – with counsel
Lead to WinSlide 13
Source: Governments
Instruments: Cash, Tax Credits, Low (or No) interest loans
IRAP, SRED
EDC, NSERC R&D, GOA (PEMD), CED-CFCD, CLD, …
Pitfalls• Each process takes time
and has reporting demands– May be at odds with
normal business goals
– Look closely at strings
• A 50 cent dollar is still not free
• So many programs…– Must manage the
distractions and time demands on small team
Benefits:• Significant capital to
deploy• No dilution• Limited obligation to
repay grants• Low cost of cash• Everything from
feasibility studies to commercialization & beyond may qualify
• Transparent
Need to stay on target (Can’t chase everything)
Hire help to manage processes as required.
Lead to WinSlide 14
Source: Venture Capital Firms
Canadian, US, and Int’l have differences
Instruments:
Equity, Convertible Debt
Pitfalls• Want to exit, not own• Huge demands on time• Onerous Terms• Tranches• Poison follow-on deals• Cram downs • Tinkering (experience
mismatch, favours)• Burn & Churn - Founder
rollover, high burn rates• May panic prematurely• They may also be in
jeopardy
Benefits:• Good ones can help you
win - Go Big plays• Some have vast capital
reserves to deploy• Can help you go IPO• Can help you secure
loans• May have experience in
the space• Some have winning
track records – that repeat
All VCs are not equal - Is your Partner a partner?
Lead to WinSlide 15
Source: Equity Markets
IPO, TSX, NASDAQ, OTC, Pink Sheets
Capital Pool Company (CPC) - Reverse takeover transaction
Pitfalls• Too daunting for early
stage companies• Prospectus and
underwriting are complex
• Reporting burden (SarbOx, et.al.)
• Harsh audit, compliance & legal costs
• Many players – many middle men to feed
• CPC can put you in a fishbowl with little cash
• Surrogates abound
Benefits:• Lots of cash out there• Recipes are known
Mismatched for early stage companies
Lead to WinSlide 16
Source: Customers
Instruments:
Income (Invoices), Equity
Bootstrapping
Pitfalls• Pacing of growth less
than equity financings• Innovators Dilemma risk
– Hostage to established solution – vs disruptive solutions
– Getting off plan too far
• Scalability– Services ramp slower
than product
• Retention of IP ownership
Benefits:• Pay as you go• Validate business model• Endorsements• Retained earnings
– May pay dividends
• May be able to make strategic investments
• Referrals to more customers– Yes Virginia – There is
a Santa Clause
May be ideal – If your solution can get early wins
Lead to WinSlide 17
Source: Criminals
You are judged by the company you keep.
Pitfalls• Prey on your need• Often very well
disguised– Easy to fall victim
• May irreparably damage– the business and
– your reputation
• Downside protection:– Trust “spider senses”
– Reverse due-diligence
– Quality legal counsel, solid paperwork
Benefits:• Seemingly unlimited
supply of money– Unfortunately - it is
NOT good money.
Don’t be naïve – Don’t get burned
Lead to WinSlide 18
Agenda
• Financing sources• Instruments for financing• Equity financing process• Your first equity transaction
– Exercise
• External Investors• Bootstrapping• Wrap Up
Lead to WinSlide 19
Instruments for Financing Your Business
• Pure forms– Equity (Common and Preferred Shares)
• Money raised by selling a portion of ownership
– Debt (Loans)• Money raised by borrowing – obligation to repay
– Gifts (Grants, Incentives, Awards)• Seemingly “free” money
– Income (Revenue, Investment)• Sales, Investment Returns and Interest
• Hybrid forms– Convertible debentures– Factoring receivables or credits– Any blend of the above…
• (Barter – In lieu of Cash)
Raising Cash
Lead to Win
Equity - All equity is not equal
• Common Shares represent– Proportional ownership of a company– A residual claim to the earnings and assets of the
company– Entitlement of dividends– Voting rights
• Preferred Shares represent– Voting rights– Proportional ownership of a company– Priority claim on dissolution up to par value– Priority claim to dividends at a fixed rate– No voting rights unless otherwise specified
• VC’s typically vote preferred shares “on an as converted basis”
A permanent form of financing
Slide 20
Lead to Win
Debt - comes in many shapes & forms
Debentures• Bond or promissory note to pay a fixed sum• Not secured by a mortgage or a claim on a specific
asset• Supported by the general creditworthiness of the
borrower
Asset backed loans• Secured by a mortgage or claim on a specific asset• Capital and operating Leases
Revolving credit bank loans• An agreement to extend credit up to a predetermined
maximum
Unlike equity, repayment is required!
Slide 21
Lead to Win
Shares and debt are often convertible
Preferred shares• Risk reduction – priority claim• Improved ROI – fixed dividend• Vehicle for valuation ratchets
Debentures• Vehicle for bridge financing• Dodges valuation considerations
Converting shares and debt to common shares
Slide 22
Lead to Win
Other equity vehicles
Options & Warrants• Convey the right to buy common shares at a
specified price on or until a specified dateCan be used to• Incent employees and management• Provide “Sweeteners” to investors• Dilute founders
Equity may not be permanent when it is• Redeemable
– Can be repurchased and cancelled for cash or other consideration at the option of the issuer (i.e. the company)
• Retractable– Can be tendered for repayment and cancellation at
the option of the investor
Options & warrants - a right but not an obligation
Equity may not be permanent and look like debt
Slide 23
Lead to WinSlide 24
Agenda
• Financing sources• Instruments for financing• Equity financing process• Your first equity transaction
– Exercise
• External Investors• Bootstrapping• Wrap Up
Lead to WinSlide 25
Process is Important – Prepare & Plan
• Before you try to raise money:1. Founders need to align on approach
2. Corporate structure matches the approach above
3. Phases are distinct and may be financed differently• How much money do you need? Now? Later on?
4. Need a Business Plan summary
5. Need a Financing Plan
6. Create a Pitch (elevator speech + presentation)• Iterate as you learn
7. Sort out how to divide and conquer the work
• Warning:– Failure to properly address steps 1 & 2 above can be
severely debilitating, or even fatal
– Yet it is often overlooked…
One size does not fit all - Figure out what fits your business.
Don’t misfire – Usually get only 1 chance per prospect.
Lead to WinSlide 26
Your Corporate Structure is Important
• Enables how you inject money into business• Enables how money (and profits) get paid out• Enables who controls the business
– Voting rights– Board seats
• “The CEO serves at the pleasure of the Board”
– Captures and discloses any special rights
• Determines how boundary conditions will be resolved– Disputes– Departures– Changes of control
Getting money out
Calling the shots
Lead to WinSlide 27
Corporate Structure - Examples
• Taking the VC Route– CCPC Federal + US subsidiary (Delaware)– Enables Cdn VC to invest– Allows US VC to invest later and flip parent– Careful – VCs will want control as early as possible– Board will be more complex – multiple interests
• Taking a bootstrapping route– Can start with sole proprietorship early and flip– Incorporate federally or provincially– Different classes of shares for different players
• e.g. Founders, Spouses, Family Trusts
– Enables good use of dividend tax advantages and income splitting
– Small board (even sole Director) OK
One size does not fit all
Lead to WinSlide 28
Process is Important – “The Deal”
• After you have planned– execute the financing plan
• Raise Money:1. Make connections
2. Work the pipeline
3. Ask for money
4. Discuss the deal terms
5. Due diligence (Reverse due diligence)
6. Paper the agreement – Ts and Cs
7. Closing
8. Deposit the proceeds
9. Celebrate
Repeat as required
$$$ Leads
$
Lead to WinSlide 29
Your First Financing
Founders inject capital• Who will be the founders• Maybe only $10• Pure equity – can be
various classes• Founders agreement• Incorporation• Shareholders register
and Cap Table• Open bank account• Your first bank deposit• Celebrate
Get off to a good start
Many founders forget this round – and it haunts them later!
Recall the process:• Make connections• Work the pipeline• Ask for money• Discuss the deal terms• Due diligence (Reverse
due diligence)• Paper the agreement –
Ts and Cs• Closing• Deposit the proceeds• Celebrate
What Ts & Cs to consider?
Lead to WinSlide 30
Financing – Core Principle
Good paper is like a good parachute – It may not let you down gently, but it improves survival odds.
• Goal: To clearly agree on “what we all agree on”– Easier when everything is friendly and not stressed
– Everyone understands their rights and obligations
• Know up front what happens in the event of…– Death, Divorce, Failure of commitment, Change of
control, Resignations and Terminations
– Actually lowers stress when the rules are known
• Saves money on lawyers to sort it out later– reduces distractions at the “worst possible times”
Lead to WinSlide 31
Financing - Exercise
• How far along are you?– Show of hands– Poll the room
• 30 minutes - Breakout into groups of 8 or less– Handouts – Typical Ts & Cs for founders– Appoint a scribe– Discuss items – Are some more relevant? Why?
• 20 minutes – Return & Share– Key findings from each group– Class discussion
Review some typical shareholder agreement terms
Group discussion
Lead to WinSlide 32
Agenda
• Financing sources• Instruments for financing• Equity financing process• Your first equity transaction
– Exercise
• External Investors• Bootstrapping• Wrap Up
Lead to Win
Network to find investors
• Referrals– Not Cold-calling
– Consider:• Who is active in your space• Who can open doors• Who can assist with execution of the plan
• Manage money hunt just like sales– It is a pipeline
– Many leads will not pan out
– Allocate resources as probability increases
– Requires tracking and follow-up
– Ask for the money
Slide 33
"Referrer Trust Index”
Syndicate Lead
Portfolio Companies
Business Associates
Friends
Lead to Win
Develop a Simple Pitch – Sample Outline
The Team Introduce yourselves – and show depth of team
Customer’s Pain Who are they? What is their challenge?
The Market Size and growth of market; window of opportunity
Your Solution How you solve the customer’s pain?
Your IP Your technology or other unfair advantage
Business Model Pricing, margins, COGS, sensitivity
Go to Market Sales cycle, Value chain, channels or partners
Competitive Position Incumbent & emerging players; How you differentiate
Progress to Date Key achievements and future milestones
Financial Plan 1st year monthly, 5 year projection, cash management
Current Structure Previous deals; Valuation; Ownership (as relevant)
The Close What you are asking for; Use of Proceeds, Exit strategy.
Build interest in first 10 minutes or risk getting cut off.
Experience shows 12 charts is about max!
7-8 slides = 15-20 mins.
12 charts = 25-30 mins. You don’t need to tell them everything on first date.
Secure interest for a follow-on meeting.
Slide 34
Lead to Win
A real deal begins with a Term Sheet
• The “Show Me Yours And I’ll Show You Mine” stage– Asking for a Term Sheet vs. presenting one– Deal litmus for both sides
• Identifies key deal terms on a broad basis– Allocates risk– Allocates rewards– Allocates control– Establishes valuation expectations
• Don’t accept it on the spot– You need to understand it, negotiate, possibly say no
Slide 35
Lead to Win
Negotiation is a process of allocating risk & return – On both sides
Founders’ incentives
Valuing the company
Control decision making
Investor downside protection
DEAL TERMS
Slide 36
Lead to Win
All deal terms must be considered
Provisions to align founder’s incentives:• Performance and forfeiture
provisions• Stock options/grants • Vesting schedules
Provisions to control decision making (veto rights):• Board rights• Super-majority rights• Addition of management team• Terms of employment contract
(e.g. buyback provisions, non-compete clauses etc.)
Slide 37
Provisions to protect investor financial downside:• Staging capital infusions
(tranches)• Anti-dilution provisions• Liquidation preferences • Put rights• Automatic conversion• Piggyback rights• Demand rights
Other Provisions• Valuation• Who bears legal costs• Timeframes• Corporate Structure Changes
Lead to WinSlide 38
Valuation
Striking a valuation (or share price):• Is much easier before you get too far in
– Founders by in cheap– …but pay for it with sweat & risk
• By proxy– Whatever is a reasonable value for a similar
company in a similar business at a similar stage
• By negotiation– Discounted cash flows, Milestones achieved – Whatever you can agree on with an investor
• By 3rd party– Valuation assessment can be expensive
• Put off until later– Convertible debenture – flip to equity later on
Building value raises the price – Job #1
Unless you get crammed down
Or fail to execute
Lead to WinSlide 39
Valuation – Core Principle
Marcus L. Crassus –
The first VC?
Valuations are higher when you are not desperate.
In Julius Caesar’s Rome, "the fire department" was a group of slaves, carrying around advanced (at that time) pumps. Roman fires tended to be very violent and widespread, so the slaves were naturally slow to respond, thereby enhancing their own safety. As a result, there was a lack of effective firefighting.
One clever businessman, Marcus Licinius Crassus, created a private fire department. He and his slaves would go to a burning house and if he believed the building was worth saving, he would attempt to buy it from the distraught owner at a huge discount. As the building continued to burn, he would offer less and less money. As soon as the owner relented to sell to Crassus, his slaves would put out the fire, subsequently repairing and reselling the property.
Crassus made a fortune with this approach, which has been adapted with success to the present day.
Lead to Win
Be prepared for due diligence
• Fact checking and so much more• Due diligence begins with the first meeting & never ends• Reverse Due Diligence – Check out your investors – talk
to some of their other investees• Rep’s and Warrantee's may be required – Use good
counsel
Tips• Be prepared with documents and references• Don’t burn out your references – Wait until you are well
along with an investor• Push the process, don’t be pulled• Remember buyer behaviour – Cognitive dissonance• Don’t lose credibility – it’s better to tell them than for them
to find out
Slide 40
Lead to Win
Closing
Term Sheet forms basis of definitive agreements:– Subscription Agreement– Shareholders Agreement– Management Contracts
– Term Sheet may have evolved/devolved
Tips– Ensure professional advisors understand the process– Proactively manage the process until the end
Slide 41
Lead to WinSlide 42
Financing – Core Principle
A deal is not done until the money transfers!
• Many things can go wrong – some big, some small.– They can go wrong at any time – including at the
last moment.
• Wait for the cash to hit the bank before considering the deal done.
Lead to WinSlide 43
Investment Landscape and Ecosystem
Canadian VC poorest performing asset class– 10 Year returns of entire asset class 2%, since inception 0%
• Underperformed index: 9.8% for Canadian small cap index; • US VC rate of return is 18.3% over the 10 year period.
– Survivorship bias actually shows performance is actually worse; 13 of 20 LSVCC funds no longer active (1998-2007)
– Labour sponsored funds raised $907M in 2006, but fell to $532 by 2008
Cram Down VC financings have crushed angels– Many private investors will not invest in startups
• That need follow-on VC• Fear of technology companies (since VC is typically needed)
Ecosystem now has a gap – VCs need companies matured to a stage that angels funded
Cdn VC fund raising down
US VCs much more viable
Technology Development & Demonstration
Product Commercialization &
Market Entry
Market Development & Sales Volume Ramp
Founders
Banks, Markets
VCs
Angels
$ $$ $$$
Lead to Win
Canadian Labour Sponsored VC Performance
Source: 2008-02-16 Globe & Mail – “The ugly truth about Labour Sponsored Funds”
Slide 44
Lead to Win
Venture Capital in Ottawa
• $1.26 Billion in 2000 down to $130 Million last year• Investment bias - mainly to follow on rounds• Ottawa’s investment falloff worse than national results• If you need VC – You should plan to look south for it
Slide 45
Lead to WinSlide 46
Agenda
• Financing sources• Instruments for financing• Equity financing process• Your first equity transaction
– Exercise
• External Investors• Bootstrapping• Wrap Up
Lead to Win
Bootstrap…the definition
• A strap that is looped and sewn to a boot for pulling it on
• A means of financing a company through the creative acquisition and use of resources without raising cash from independent investors
• A process that is self-initiating and self-sustaining
Slide 48
Lead to Win
Bootstrap versus Big Money
Bootstrap Big Money
Cash Earn it Other peoplesInitial focus Customer ExitProduct Incremental Fully featuredMarkets Niche $1BStructure Fluid RigidTime horizon Near term Long termMedia Low HighPersonal sacrifice High Low
Slide 49
Lead to Win
Advantages
• It forces you to concentrate on selling to bring cash into the business
• Lessens the need for cash, minimizes expenses
• Avoid the problems of raising too much money
• Founders retain greater authority, control and flexibility
• Equity is expensive especially at startup• Positions the company for external financing
in the future
Slide 50
Lead to Win
Disadvantages
• May not generate enough cash to grow at the desired rate
• Limits potential sales, market share and overall competitive position
• Provides insufficient support for high growth and capital intensive businesses
Slide 51
Lead to Win
Strategies for success
• Get operational quickly• Go find a customer• Forget about the crack team• Keep growth in check• Focus on cash• Form alliances
Slide 52
Lead to Win
Get operational quickly
• Get up and running rather than waiting for the home run
• Look for cash generating products or services, i.e. sell your brain!
• Take on opportunities that might not be part of the “strategic plan”
• A business that is making money builds credibility
Slide 53
Lead to Win
Go find a customer
• Reach out to customers from day one• Get out and sell before the product is
ready• Use personal passion and
salesmanship to substitute for big marketing budgets
• Offer products with tangible advantages over competitors
Slide 54
Lead to Win
Forget about the crack team
• Reliance on inexperienced people is common
• To learn faster, ask for help• Learn from mistakes
Slide 55
Lead to Win
Keep growth in check
• Expand at a rate that you can control• Manage within your financial means• Facilitates development of management
skills under less pressure• First-mover advantages are often short-
lived• Keep your finger on the pulse of
performance
Slide 56
Lead to Win
Focus on cash
• Cash is king – not profits, market share or other metrics
• Create healthy margins from day one• Say no to loss making strategies to
build market share or a customer base• Understand cash flow – cash position,
monthly burn, timeline
$
Slide 57
Lead to Win
Form alliances for
• Market penetration• Sales/marketing channels• Product credibility• Joint bidding on projects• Accelerate time to market• Geographic expansion• Business experience• Enhance company status
Slide 58
Lead to Win
Bootstrapping methods have various levels of value potential and application
• Customers:• Ask customers to prepay fees or provide
advances• Get customers to fund customization
work (and let you own the IP)• Deliver invoices with the goods, pay
attention to collections• Don’t do business with dead beats and
dreamers• Market with no money – website, biz
cards, tradeshows, cold calls
Slide 59
Lead to Win
Bootstrapping methods have various levels of value potential and application
• Suppliers:• Ask for credit• Deal with service providers for low rates• Make use of below market rent space• Barter your products or services• Don’t abuse them
Slide 60
Lead to Win
Bootstrapping methods have various levels of value potential and application
• Your team:• Forgo, reduce or delay compensation
(sweat equity)• Employ relatives and friends at below
market salaries• Look for volunteers and co-op students• Hire part-time networks not full-time
staff• Pay with stock or stock options• Work from home
Slide 61
Lead to Win
Bootstrapping methods have various levels of value potential and application
• You:• Use personal savings, credit cards and
loans• Forgo, reduce or delay compensation
(sweat equity)• Work from home• Develop product at night and weekends
while working elsewhere• Wear lots of hats
Slide 62
Lead to WinSlide 63
Financing – Core Principle
“Every dollar you save is one less you need to raise”
• Actually it is often > $1 per dollar saved– All money does not have equal cost– Valuation changes and dilution multiplies the
impact of early savings
• Seems obvious, but routinely not practiced.– Especially by so called “Smart money”
• Truly Smart money – avoids being wasted.
Avoid burning cash unnecessarily
Lead to Win
Cash Conserving Tips
• Be Thrifty– Compensate with Stock/Options– Use Co-op Students– Services in kind– Say NO to company credit cards– Use payroll provider– Share premises with others– Priceline.com
• Receivables– Invoice when product is delivered– Add late payment penalties– Factoring
• Payables– Negotiate extended payment to
suppliers– Make prompt payment only when
meaningful discounts apply
• Capital Expenditures– Borrow from another business– Buy used equipment– Consider leasing capital equipment
• Capital Structure– Convert debt into equity– Shop around to minimize cost of debt
• Leverage Government Programs– Elect to file GST monthly– Take full advantage of Investment Tax
Credits (ITCs)– Exploit government hiring support
initiatives
• Build positive banking relationship– You may need a friend if the cash gets
tight
Slide 64
Lead to WinSlide 65
Agenda
• Financing sources• Instruments for financing• Equity financing process• Your first equity transaction
– Exercise
• External Investors• Bootstrapping• Wrap Up
Lead to WinSlide 66
Wrap
• We have scratched the surface– You will learn as you go if you pay attention
• Don’t be intimidated– Lots of people less skilled have succeeded– Perseverance is the key ingredient– You are in select group – 2002 class beat the odds
• Don’t let your assumptions go unchecked– Get help when you need it– Help each other– Call on us
• The rules of the game continue to evolve– We are all still learning
Good luck – And Thank-you